Joaquín Niemann has shared the key to his success this year: approaching tournaments with fewer expectations but practicing with strong determination, as if he intends to win. The Chilean golfer discussed this strategy ahead of the PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers, which begins tomorrow at Riyadh Golf Club. Having won this tournament last year, Niemann aims to be the first player to defend the title successfully. He is also chasing his sixth victory of the season, following five individual wins on the LIV Golf League.
At 27, Niemann is enjoying the best season of his career, demonstrating a maturity in his game beyond his age. He explained, “I prefer to compete with fewer expectations,” highlighting that his focus during practice weeks is intense, preparing to win. Once at the tournament, his goal is simply to play golf and let the results take care of themselves.
Last year at Riyadh Golf Club, Niemann clinched the title with a remarkable birdie on the second hole of a sudden-death playoff against Caleb Surratt and Cam Smith. His precise lob shot set up the winning putt, showcasing the kind of skill fans can expect to see again this week. That victory also earned him The International Series Rankings title, as it was the final event of the season.
Niemann believes his game is in a strong place, supported by recent changes to his team that he’s very pleased with. He emphasized the importance of consistency and quality teamwork, praising the people around him who work hard to help him improve both as a player and a person.
For the first two days of this tournament, Niemann will be paired with Dustin Johnson, a past winner of this event, and Tom McKibbin, the recent winner of the Link Hong Kong Open. These three are LIV Golf players and will be joined later by the top two players in The International Series Rankings.
Currently, Scott Vincent from Zimbabwe leads the rankings, followed by Japan’s Yosuke Asaji and Miguel Tabuena from the Philippines in third. With 324 points awarded to the winner this week, the competition remains wide open with many contenders.
This $5 million tournament, the richest of the season, is also a crucial part of the Asian Tour calendar and will heavily influence the Order of Merit standings. Japan’s Kazuki Higa currently tops the list, with Vincent and Tabuena close behind.